LocalSportsJournal.com
MUSKEGON — Ludington survived a determined Oakridge team, and a little bit of rust after being idle for several days, to come away with a rugged 3-0 boys soccer victory over the Eagles in the West Michigan Conference game on the road Thursday night.
The Orioles led only 1-0 at the half, scored their second goal early in the second half and didn’t score their final goal until the final minute of regulation to post their sixth consecutive win.
It also kept them undefeated in the conference at 6-0, to maintain a slim half-game lead over second place Manistee (6-1) with Whitehall third at 4-2.
“Pretty tight contest tonight,” said Ludington head coach Kris Anderson. “We had a week off, and I don’t think that served us very well. We looked out of sync, and like a team that hasn’t played in quite a few days.
“We were back on field turf, where we haven’t played quite as well, and I think that was a factor, too, adjusting to the bounce of the ball, and the speed of the ball.
“And, I think Oakridge played a solid game tonight. They were playing really well earlier in the season, and just within the last little stretch they kind of struggled a little bit.
“They have a solid team, and have a couple players that make it difficult on you. So, it was a little challenge. We need to be tested, and face a little adversity.”
Parker Wendt, Spencer Holmes and Kyle Wendt scored one goal apiece for the Orioles.
Spencer Holmes and Parker Wendt each provided an assist.
Ludington improved its record to 12-1-1 overall on the season, and next plays a non-conference game at Allendale on Saturday afternoon at 12:45 p.m.
Oakridge is 8-5-1 overall, 3-4-0 in the conference, and is scheduled to travel to Montague for a WMC match on Monday at 5:45 p.m.
